ATM Ambush Sparks Petaluma Manhunt In Minutes

PETALUMA, CA — A man suspected of trying to steal cash from an ATM user sparked a physical fight and fled through Petaluma streets before police, and a sheriff’s helicopter tracked him down and arrested him within hours.

Petaluma Police responded to the Wells Fargo Bank in the 300 block of South McDowell Boulevard on Wednesday, just after 1:30 p.m., after reports of an attempted ATM robbery.

Police said in a news release that a Wells Fargo customer had just withdrawn cash from an ATM when a man approached from behind, collided with him, and then demanded money. The victim fought back, and the suspect broke away and fled on foot, leaving the victim with a minor injury that did not require medical treatment.

Police shut down the area, and the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office tracked the suspect from the air.

While the man was observed moving toward the Petaluma Community Center and adjacent baseball fields, dispatchers received additional witness reports, and police said they suspect the man was involved in a separate theft at a nearby business.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Aiden Kohn of Sonoma County. Police said officers recovered clothing consistent with witness descriptions and suspected stolen merchandise during a search.

Surveillance video from the bank later showed a suspect confronting the victim and attempting to grab cash while wearing the same clothing found in Kohn's backpack.

Kohn was on probation for prior theft-related offenses, according to Petaluma police. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, probation violation, and additional theft-related counts. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail.